Pod for Preparing a Beverage

Abstract

The present invention provides a pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a lower compartment ( 31 ) defining a storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; the lower compartment comprising an upper surface ( 27 ) containing one or more apertures ( 25 ) forming an inlet of the lower compartment ( 31 ) and a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material ( 12 ), the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the pod further comprising an open-topped upper compartment ( 21 ) above the lower compartment ( 31 ) which defines a chamber suitable for receiving one or more flexible pads containing one or more beverage ingredients; wherein an outlet of the chamber of the upper compartment communicates with the inlet of the lower compartment, wherein the apertures ( 25 ) of the inlet of the lower compartment are arranged for showering and or jetting in use water into the lower compartment ( 31 ).

1 . A pod for preparing a beverage comprising: a lower compartment defining a storage volume containing a water-soluble composition or a combination or mixture of water-soluble compositions for forming a beverage; the lower compartment comprising an upper surface containing one or more apertures forming an inlet of the lower compartment and a lower surface formed at least partially from filtering material, the filtering material forming an outlet of the pod; the pod further comprising an open-topped upper compartment above the lower compartment which defines a chamber suitable for receiving one or more flexible pads containing one or more beverage ingredients; wherein an outlet of the chamber of the upper compartment communicates with the inlet of the lower compartment, wherein the apertures of the inlet of the lower compartment are arranged for showering and or jetting in use water into the lower compartment. 
   
   
       2 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment forms the lower surface of the upper compartment. 
   
   
       3 . A pod as claimed in  claim 2  wherein inlet apertures of the lower compartment also form outlet apertures of the upper compartment. 
   
   
       4 . A pod as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the filtering material is bonded to a flange, located at or around an upper edge of the upper compartment, a side wall of the upper compartment, or the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       5 . A pod as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the whole of the lower surface is formed from filtering material. 
   
   
       6 . A pod as claimed in  claim 4  wherein a portion of the lower surface is non-transmissive to water and another portion is formed from the filtering material. 
   
   
       7 . A pod as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the portion of filtering material is located at or near a centre of the lower surface. 
   
   
       8 . A pod as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the portion of filtering material is an annulus located at a defined radius from the centre of the pod. 
   
   
       9 . A pod as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the portion of filtering material is at a periphery of the lower surface. 
   
   
       10 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment is concave, convex, or plane in relation to the upper or lower compartment. 
   
   
       11 . A pod as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment is flexible. 
   
   
       12 . A pod as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment is rigid or semi-rigid. 
   
   
       13 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pod further comprises one or more layers of filtering material adjacent the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       14 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pod further comprises one or more layers of filtering material in the lower compartment adjacent the inlet of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       15 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pod further comprises one or more layers of filtering material in the upper compartment adjacent the outlet of the upper compartment. 
   
   
       16 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet apertures of the upper surface of the lower compartment act as a filtering means. 
   
   
       17 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet apertures are associated with a support means for maintaining a spatial arrangement of the inlet apertures. 
   
   
       18 . A pod as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the support means comprises a mesh, grid or similar structure. 
   
   
       19 . A pod as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the support means comprises localized reinforcing of the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       20 . A pod as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment is formed from a filtering material and the localized reinforcing is in the form of rigid or semi-rigid elements associated with or surrounding at least some of the inlet apertures. 
   
   
       21 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the lower compartment comprises a rigid or semi-rigid sidewall. 
   
   
       22 . A pod as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the rigid or semi-rigid sidewall maintains a physical separation of the filtering material and the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       23 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment is located at or near a centre of the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       24 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment is located at or near a periphery of the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       25 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the apertures of the inlet are located in at least two discrete regions of the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       26 . A pod as claimed in  claim 25  wherein a portion of the apertures of the inlet are located at or near a centre of the upper surface of the lower compartment and a portion of the apertures of the inlet are located in a random or uniform arrangement across the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       27 . A pod as claimed in  claim 26  wherein the apertures of the inlet are arranged in concentric circles. 
   
   
       28 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment is flush with the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       29 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the lower compartment comprises one or more cylindrical or frusto-conical recesses and the inlet is formed at or near a base of said recesses. 
   
   
       30 . A pod as claimed in  claim 29  wherein sidewalls of the frusto-conical recesses are oriented at an angle of at least 7 degrees to the vertical. 
   
   
       31 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment comprises 1 to 100 apertures. 
   
   
       32 . A pod as claimed in  claim 31  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment comprises 1 to 63 apertures. 
   
   
       33 . A pod as claimed in  claim 32  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment comprises 5 to 30 apertures. 
   
   
       34 . A pod as claimed in  claim 33  wherein the inlet of the lower compartment comprises 10 to 20 apertures. 
   
   
       35 . A pod as claimed in  claim 31  wherein at least some of the apertures are directed downwards at 90 degrees to the horizontal of, or perpendicular to, the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       36 . A pod as claimed in  claim 31  wherein the apertures have an equivalent diameter of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. 
   
   
       37 . A pod as claimed in  claim 36  wherein the apertures have an equivalent diameter of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. 
   
   
       38 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height of the lower compartment from the upper surface to the lower surface is between 2 mm and 50 mm. 
   
   
       39 . A pod as claimed in  claim 38  wherein the height of the lower compartment is 5 mm to 7 mm. 
   
   
       40 . A pod as claimed in  claim 38  wherein the height of the lower compartment is 11 mm to 14 mm. 
   
   
       41 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height of the upper compartment is 20 to 50 mm. 
   
   
       42 . A pod as claimed in  claim 41  wherein the height of the upper compartment is 25 to 30 mm. 
   
   
       43 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the volume of the upper compartment is from 5 cm 3  to 35 cm 3  and, preferably, from 10 cm 3  to 25 cm 3 . 
   
   
       44 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the volume of the lower compartment is from 5 cm 3  to 90 cm 3  and, preferably, from 10 cm 3  to 25 cm 3 . 
   
   
       45 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the storage volume further contains a dispersion plate associated with the outlet for creating a non-vertical flow or circulating flow of water, in use, within the storage volume. 
   
   
       46 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is freely suspended within the storage volume. 
   
   
       47 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is attached to the filtering material of the outlet. 
   
   
       48 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate forms part of the lower surface. 
   
   
       49 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is attached to a part of the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       50 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is planar. 
   
   
       51 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is rippled, ridged or otherwise convoluted. 
   
   
       52 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate is non-apertured. 
   
   
       53 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate comprises one or more apertures. 
   
   
       54 . A pod as claimed in  claim 53  wherein the dispersion plate is sealed or bonded to the lower surface and the one or more apertures are formed at the boundary between the dispersion plate and the outlet filtering means. 
   
   
       55 . A pod or pad as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the dispersion plate comprises a portion of the outlet filtering means which has modified material characteristics and is non-transmissive to water. 
   
   
       56 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  wherein the outlet filtering means comprises a filter material and the dispersion plate comprises a portion of the filter material which is hot stamped to render it impermeable to water. 
   
   
       57 . A pod as claimed in  claim 45  comprising more than one dispersion plate. 
   
   
       58 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  which is circular with a diameter of between 30 and 110 mm. 
   
   
       59 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the storage volume further contains one or more absorbent elements or particles or foamed plastic elements or particles. 
   
   
       60 . A pod as claimed in  claim 59  wherein the absorbent elements or particles are spongiform. 
   
   
       61 . A pod as claimed in  claim 59  wherein the absorbent elements or particles are an hydrogel, a starch, a spongiform material or a combination or mixture thereof. 
   
   
       62 . A pod as claimed in  claim 59  wherein before exposure to liquid, the one or more absorbent elements or particles or foamed plastic elements or particles are compressed. 
   
   
       63 . A pod as claimed in  claim 60  wherein, in use, the one or more spongiform elements act as an absorbent means for retaining excess moisture. 
   
   
       64 . A pod as claimed in  claim 59  containing a single spongiform or hydrogel element or foamed plastic element. 
   
   
       65 . A pod as claimed in  claim 59  wherein the one or more absorbent elements or particles interact with water in use such as to absorb water only during a portion of a dispense cycle. 
   
   
       66 . A pod as claimed in  claim 65  wherein the one or more absorbent elements or particles interact with water at a predetermined temperature, pH or a start of a specified chemical reaction. 
   
   
       67 . A pod as claimed in  claim 66  wherein the one or more absorbent elements or particles comprise a soluble coating which, in use, is dissolvable in water to allow absorption of water to take place. 
   
   
       68 . A pod as claimed in  claim 67  wherein the soluble coating comprises sugar or gelatin. 
   
   
       69 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the water-soluble composition is agglomerated. 
   
   
       70 . A pod as claimed in  claim 69  wherein the agglomerated water-soluble composition is produced by contacting the water-soluble composition with steam, water, or aqueous solution or dispersion to effect agglomeration, and optionally, either simultaneously or subsequently drying the agglomerated composition. 
   
   
       71 . A pod as claimed in  claim 69  wherein the water-soluble composition is a milk powder, creamer powder, or chocolate or cappuccino powder ingredient. 
   
   
       72 . A pod as claimed in  claim 71  wherein the milk powder or creamer powder is a dairy or non-dairy spray-dried coffee creamer or coffee whitener. 
   
   
       73 . A pod as claimed in  claim 72  wherein a fat component of the milk powder or creamer powder has a melting point of 10 to 40 degrees Celsius. 
   
   
       74 . A pod as claimed in  claim 72  wherein the creamer powder comprises one or more of vegetable fat, milk proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers, foaming agents, milk fat, soy proteins, modified starches, carriers, fillers, sweeteners, flavors, colors, nutrients, preservatives and flow agents. 
   
   
       75 . A pod as claimed in  claim 71  wherein the chocolate powder ingredient comprises one or more of cocoa, chocolate, chocolate crumb, sucrose, milk powder, vegetable fat, milk proteins, whey proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers, modified starches, carriers, fillers, sweeteners, flavors, colors, nutrients, preservatives and flow agents. 
   
   
       76 . A pod as claimed in  claim 71  wherein the cappuccino powder ingredient comprises one or more of instant coffee, lactose, milk powder, vegetable fat, milk proteins, whey proteins, emulsifiers, stabilizers, modified starches, carriers, fillers, sweeteners, flavors, colors, nutrients, preservatives, flow agents and foaming agents. 
   
   
       77 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising one or more channels or grooves in an upper face of the upper surface of the lower compartment, said channels or grooves extending towards the inlet of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       78 . A pod as claimed in  claim 77  wherein the channels have a depth of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, preferably from 0.4 to 1.0 mm. 
   
   
       79 . A pod as claimed in  claim 77  further comprising a plurality of upstanding projections on an upper face of the upper surface of the lower compartment forming passages extending towards the inlet of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       80 . A pod as claimed in  claim 79  wherein the channels, grooves or passages extend radially towards a central inlet. 
   
   
       81 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising means at or near the outlet for foaming the beverage. 
   
   
       82 . A pod as claimed in  claim 81  wherein the means for foaming the beverage is an aperture for forming a jet of beverage and subsequently impacting said jet of beverage against an impingement surface so as to produce foaming of the beverage. 
   
   
       83 . A pod as claimed in  claim 81  wherein the means for foaming the beverage comprises a sintered outlet nozzle, or zeolite bed, membrane, eductor or venturi ejector. 
   
   
       84 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a gasket seal on or adjacent an upper edge of the upper compartment or the flange for sealing, in use, against a pod holder of a beverage preparation machine in which the pod is used. 
   
   
       85 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a peripheral seal on an outer surface of the sidewall for sealing, in use, against a pod holder of a beverage preparation machine in which the pod is used. 
   
   
       86 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a seal on or adjacent a lower edge of a sidewall for sealing, in use, against a pod holder of a beverage preparation machine in which the pod is used. 
   
   
       87 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the lower and upper compartments are separated by a partition which defines the upper surface of the lower compartment. 
   
   
       88 . A pod as claimed in  claim 87  wherein the partition is removeable. 
   
   
       89 . A pod as claimed in  claim 88  wherein the partition is sealingly engaged with a remainder of the pod by means of an O-ring. 
   
   
       90 . A pod as claimed in any of  claim 87  wherein the lower and upper compartments are separated by the partition which is formed integrally with the upper and or lower compartments. 
   
   
       91 . A pod as claimed in  claim 90  wherein the apertures of the inlet are apertures in the partition. 
   
   
       92 . A pod as claimed in  claim 91  wherein the partition has grooves, channels or upstanding projections forming passages formed in its upper and or lower face. 
   
   
       93 . A pod as claimed in  claim 91  wherein the lower surface of the partition is substantially smooth such that the apertures of the inlet exit the partition flush with the lower surface of the partition. 
   
   
       94 . A pod as claimed in  claim 87  wherein the partition is rigid or semi-rigid. 
   
   
       95 . A pod as claimed in  claim 87  wherein the partition is flexible. 
   
   
       96 . A pod as claimed in  claim 87  wherein the partition is formed from a perforated material, such as a filtering material, preferably filter paper. 
   
   
       97 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the storage volume is a unitary volume. 
   
   
       98 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the storage volume comprises a plurality of compartments. 
   
   
       99 . A pod as claimed in  claim 98  wherein the plurality of compartments comprises different beverage ingredients. 
   
   
       100 . A pod as claimed in  claim 97  wherein one or more of the compartments contain one or more absorbent elements or particles or foamed elements or particles. 
   
   
       101 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the storage volume comprises one or more baffles. 
   
   
       102 . A pod as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a cover for sealing the open-topped upper compartment. 
   
   
       103 . A pod as claimed in  claim 102  wherein the cover comprises a push-fit lid, or a peelable or tearable laminate. 
   
   
       104 . A pod as claimed in  claim 102  wherein the cover is formed at least partially from a filtering material and provides an inlet to the upper compartment. 
   
   
       105 . A pod as claimed in  claim 104  further comprising a cover which comprises a push-fit lid, or a peelable or tearable laminate 
   
   
       106 . A beverage brewing kit comprising a pod, as claimed in  claim 1 , in combination with one or more loose beverage ingredients located in the chamber of the upper compartment and sealed therein by the filtering material, and/or the push-fit lid, or peelable or tearable laminate. 
   
   
       107 . A beverage brewing kit as claimed in  claim 106  wherein the loose beverage ingredients comprise roast and ground coffee. 
   
   
       108 . A beverage brewing kit comprising a pod as claimed in  claim 1  in combination with one or more flexible filter pads containing one or more beverage ingredients suitable for brewing. 
   
   
       109 . A beverage brewing kit as claimed in  claim 106  wherein one or more flexible pads are located in the chamber of the upper compartment and sealed therein by the filtering material, and/or the push-fit lid, or peelable or tearable laminate. 
   
   
       110 . A beverage brewing kit as claimed in  claim 106  wherein the flexible filter pads are receivable in the chamber of the upper compartment. 
   
   
       111 . A beverage brewing kit as claimed in  claim 108  wherein the one or more flexible filter pads contain roast and ground coffee. 
   
   
       112 . A beverage brewing kit as claimed in  claim 106  wherein, in use, brewing and filtering of the beverage occurs in an inverse manner, against the force of gravity. 
   
   
       113 . A method of dispensing a beverage using a pod as claimed in  claim 1  comprising the step of passing water downwardly through the pod such that beverage initially exits the pod through a lowermost surface thereof. 
   
   
       114 . A method of dispensing a beverage using a pod as claimed in  claim 1  comprising the step of passing water upwardly through the pod such that beverage initially exits the pod through an uppermost surface thereof. 
   
   
       115 . A method of dispensing a beverage using a flexible pad as claimed in  claim 1  comprising the step of orientating the pod in a non-horizontal orientation and passing water in a non-vertical direction through the pod. 
   
   
       116 . A method of dispensing a beverage using a pod as claimed in  claim 1  comprising the step of passing water through the pod at a temperature greater than 70 degrees Celsius. 
   
   
       117 . A method of dispensing a beverage using a pod as claimed in  claim 1  comprising the step of passing water through the pod as a discontinuous flow. 
   
   
       118 . A method of dispensing a beverage as claimed in  claim 117  wherein the discontinuous flow of water is a pulsed flow.